Search

Objective: Despite increasing enthusiasm for neonatal repair, patients with ductal-dependent circulation (pulmonary/systemic) or restrictive pulmonary blood flow still require initial palliation. Ductal stenting has emerged as an endovascular approach whereas modified-Blalock-Taussig and central shunt remain surgical references. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between pulmonary artery growth, sites of shunt connection, or antegrade pulmonary blood flow in surgically placed shunts. The need for secondary catheter-based interventions or pulmonary arterioplasty was also investigated. Methods: A retrospective single-center study analyzing 175 patients undergoing surgery for a central or modified-Blalock-Taussig shunt. Outcome growth variables were right pulmonary artery/left pulmonary artery diameters/Z scores, the indexed sum area (right pulmonary artery + left pulmonary artery), and the pulmonary symmetry index. Three imaging modalities were used: angiography, computed tomography, and echocardiography. Results: At baseline, pulmonary arteries were larger in patients with antegrade pulmonary blood flow (Nakata index 137 vs. 114, p = 0.047) as well as in patients receiving a modified-Blalock-Taussig shunt (Nakata index 138 vs. 84, p < 0.001). At the time of shunt takedown, both the right pulmonary artery and left pulmonary artery had normalized their diameter. The Nakata index increased from 134 to 233 mm2/m2 (p < 0.001). The pulmonary artery index remained stable (0.86) over time. During the inter-stage period, shunt-related pulmonary artery stenosis and juxta-ductal stenosis were diagnosed in 16 (10%) and 17 patients (11%), respectively. Conclusions: Surgical shunt palliation allows normal pulmonary artery growth. Pulmonary artery stenosis was either shunt-related (10%) or secondary to juxta-ductal stenosis (11%). Close echographic follow-up allows early diagnosis and treatment of juxta-ductal stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Over the last decade, neonatal repair has been advocated for many congenital heart diseases. However, specific subgroups of complex congenital heart disease still require temporary palliation for which both surgical and endovascular techniques are currently available. We reviewed our institutional experience with shunt palliation with an emphasis on risk factors for early mortality. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study on 175 patients undergoing surgery for central shunt or modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. All data were extracted from a prospectively collected computerized database. We identified risk factors for early mortality by uni- and multi-variable analysis. All data were censored at the time of death or shunt take-down operation. Results: Mean age and weight at surgery were 24 days (IQR [7–95]) and 3.4 kg (IQR [2.9–4.8]), respectively, with 96 neonates (55%). Most patients had a biventricular heart disease (115 patients, 66%), and 51 patients (29.1%) had univentricular heart disease. Thoracotomy was performed in 129 patients (74%). Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 23 patients (13%). The median intensive care and overall length of stay were 4 days (IQR [2–9]) and 18 days (IQR [13–29]), respectively. In-hospital mortality was 8.6% (15/175). By multivariable regression analysis, prematurity (HR 5.6 [2.1–14.7]), CPB use (HR 6.7 [2.2–18.6]), unplanned <30-day reoperation (HR 3.5 [1.2–10]) or catheterization (HR 4.5 [1.2–16.9]) were all significant predictors of early mortality. Conclusions: Procedural-related mortality remains high (8.6%) in surgical shunt palliation. For patients with prematurity, low weight at birth, or if the use of cardiopulmonary bypass is contemplated, alternative endovascular techniques of palliation should be considered together with longitudinal follow-up studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most outcome studies in congenital cardiac surgery for "low weight" neonates include patients undergoing surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The primary objective of our study was to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality in neonates weighing less than 3 Kg and undergoing surgery with CPB. In addition, we compared the effect of early surgery with CPB (before 37W-gestational age (GA)) for congenital heart disease to delayed surgery until a corrected GA of 37 weeks in an attempt to promote weight gain. Methods: Retrospective single-center study including all patients operated between 1997 and 2017. Uni- and multivariable analysis were used to analyze outcome. Results: 143 patients were included. The median weight was 2.7 Kg and 49 (34.3%) weighted <2.5 Kg. 80% of the patients were Risk stratification STAT categories ≥3. 114 patients (80%) were operated without delay (usual timing, median age 9 days), whereas 29 patients (20%) entered a delayed strategy (median age 30 days). In-hospital mortality was 21.7%. By multivariate analysis, dysmaturity, preoperative positive ventilation, post-operative ECMO requirement or resuscitation, and any residual lesion were predictors of in-hospital death. In-hospital mortality in the usual timing group and the delayed group were 21.1% and 24.1%, respectively (p = 0.71). In-hospital mortality for neonates operated prior to 37W-GA (n = 10) was 27.3%. Conclusions: Predictors of in-hospital mortality in neonates less 3 Kg requiring CPB surgery did not differ from those unveiled in other contemporary studies. Our data demonstrates that a strategy of delaying surgery in selected patients resulted in similar clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We sought to determine the indications, type, and outcomes of reoperations on the aortic root after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).Methods: Eleven centers belonging to the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association contributed to the data collection process. We included 36 patients who underwent surgical procedures on the aortic root, including surgery on the aortic valve and ascending aorta, between January 1975 and December 2017. Original diagnoses included TOF-pulmonary stenosis (n = 18) and TOF-pulmonary atresia (n = 18). The main indications for reoperation were aortic insufficiency (n = 19, 53%), aortic insufficiency and dilatation of the ascending aorta (n = 10, 28%), aortic root dilatation (n = 4, 11%), and ascending aorta dilatation (n = 3, 8%).Results: The median age at reoperation was 30.4 years (interquartile range 20.3-45.3 years), and mechanical aortic valve replacement was the most common procedure performed. Five patients died early after reoperation (14%), and larger ascending aorta diameters were associated with early mortality (P = .04). The median age at the last follow-up was 41.4 years (interquartile range 24.5-51.6 years). Late death occurred in five patients (5/31, 16%). Most survivors (15/26, 58%) were asymptomatic at the last clinical examination (New York Heart Association, NYHA class I). The remaining patients were NYHA class II (n = 7) and III (n = 3). The most common symptoms were fatigue (n = 5), dyspnea (n = 4), and exercise intolerance (n = 3).Conclusions: Reoperations on the aortic root are infrequent but may become necessary late after TOF repair. The main indications for reoperation are aortic insufficiency, either isolated or associated with a dilatation of the ascending aorta. The surgical risk at reoperation was high and the presence of ascending aorta dilation is related to higher mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular rings represent 1% of congenital cardiovascular abnormalities. Phenotypic expression varies from asymptomatic to severe forms related to either oesophageal or tracheal compression. While refinement in prenatal screening led to an increase in fetal diagnosis, optimal management in asymptomatic neonates and infants is currently a matter of debate. We report our center experience of vascular ring management over three decades., Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, data were extracted from patient medical records. To obtain information on symptoms/medication at follow-up, clinical records from pediatric clinics were reviewed. For patients followed in other institutions, a web-based questionnaire was sent to referring pediatricians., Results: Out of 82 patients, 69 were symptomatic (84%). Common symptoms included recurrent respiratory tract infections (43%), stridor (32%), gastro-esophageal reflux (33%), and dysphagia (26%). Diagnosis relied on cardiac ultrasound, barium swallow studies, and chest computerized tomography scan. Surgical repair (thoracotomy 91%) was performed in 79 patients (96%). Median age at repair was 13 [interquartile range (IQR), 4.4-48] months. There was no mortality. Minor complications occurred in 14 patients (18%). Median hospital length of stay was 7 (IQR, 6-9) days. In total, 24% of patients remained symptomatic (median follow-up 54 months). Half of those were asthma-related, with nearly 90% freedom from ring-related symptoms., Conclusions: Most patients were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Vascular rings such as pulmonary slings or tracheal compression syndromes require prompt management. Despite surgery, 24% of patients were not symptom-free at follow-up. Finally, surgery in asymptomatic patients resulted in low morbidity supporting the current recommendation of early surgical repair., Level of Evidence: III., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://jtd.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/jtd-23-1526/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Journal of Thoracic Disease. All rights reserved.)